Drivers are being warned of long traffic delays following a major crash on the M53 motorway, which has prompted a police investigation.

The M53 in Merseyside is closed southbound between J4 Clatterbridge Interchange (Clatterbridge, Heswall A5137; Bebington, Port Sunlight B5137) and J7 Netherpool Interchange (North Road Industrial Estate, Overpool, Whitby B5132).

National Highways reported that this was due to a "serious collision" near Eastham Interchange (Vauxhall (Cars Only), Eastham Oil Terminal) near Ellesmere Port.

Emergency services are in attendance at the event including Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and the North West Ambulance Service.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area following the serious collision

National Highways units are also at the scene helping with traffic management and the diversion route.

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, drivers were told to "expect long delays in the area".

In the most recent update, traffic within the closure is being released forward via J6 of the M53.

Traffic maps suggest that normal traffic conditions are not expected to return until around 2pm this afternoon.

Drivers have been told to prepare for hours of traffic delays

The road collision has also caused slow-moving traffic along the A550 and the entry slip at Junction 5 of the M53.

Drivers have been told to check traffic levels before they set off on their journey, or even delay their plans as a result of the accident.

Motorists looking to avoid the traffic should follow the National Highways diversion outlined.

They are advised to leave the M53 at J4 and take the fourth exit of the roundabout to the B5151 Mount Road southbound, before turning left on the B5133.

From here, turn right onto the A41 and follow the A41 New Chester Road southbound to the next junction with the A550. At the junction with the A550, turn right.

Drivers should then follow the A550 Welsh Road southbound. When they reach the Two Mills junction with the A540, turn left.

Follow the A540 Parkgate Road southbound, then turn left at the Parkgate junction with the A5117.

Once they have reached the A5117, they should follow the road eastbound past Cheshire Oaks before taking the third exit at the A5117/M53 J10 roundabout to rejoin the M53.

Surrounding roads to the M53 are also dealing with traffic following the serious collision